Verbena hastata
Blue Vervain
General
Characterized by slender spikes of tiny, bright purple-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, attracting butterflies and bees. Growing in moist meadows, marshes, and along stream banks, blue vervain is valued for its ornamental beauty and occasional medicinal uses in herbal remedies.
Plant Description
Displays erect stems covered in lance-shaped leaves with toothed edges, giving it a textured appearance. From mid-summer through early fall, it boasts dense spikes of small, tubular flowers in shades ranging from pale lavender to deep purple, arranged along the stem in a compact, vertical fashion. These striking blooms, often visited by pollinators like butterflies and bees, contribute to its charm as a native wildflower in wetland edges, meadows, and moist roadside habitats.
Height (ft)
2-6 ft
Soil moisture
Moderately to wet
Soil types
Loam, clay and sand
Wetland indicator
FACW+
Shade tolerance
Full sun to partial shade
Bloom color
Purple
Bloom period
Late summer to early fall
Drought tolerance
Low to moderate (once established)
Salinity tolerance
Intolerant to low
Range
Distributed throughout entire continental United States and most of Canada.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Cherokee would use the leaves, seeds and roots for colds, coughs, and as an emetic. The Dakota would use a decoction of the leaves for stomach aches. The Omaha have used the steeped leaves as tea.